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Jan/17

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Reflections from the AO – What’s happened to Novak?

Djokart
By Jayita Belcourt
This time last year, Novak Djokovic was sparring for his sixth Australian Open title – seemingly unstoppable and fiercely optimistic after his near perfect 2015 season where he racked up three majors (Australian Open, Wimbeldon and US Open) and six masters 1000 titles.
“2015 was the best season and best year of my life undoubtedly. I enjoyed every moment spent on the court. I’ll try to obviously carry that confidence and high level of performance that I’ve had, especially towards the end of the year, into the new season,” said an elated Djokovic at the Australian Open in January 2016.
Come 2017, things are a different story with life far from his ideal script.
With a string of losses after his monumental French Open high in June 2016 and burdened with a swag of conjecture – around his ‘controversial’ diet, split from coach Boris Becker, and “issues” in his personal life – Djokovic has looked a shadow of his former self.
Unfortunately at the first grand slam of the season, things have continued suite. In an epic matchup against wildcard Denis Istomin on Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open in round 2, the Serbian star was dished another difficult pill to swallow after falling 7-6(8), 5-7, 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 in 4hr 49min to the world no.117. Clearly rattled by the result, Djokovic couldn’t hide his dissatisfaction.
“I’m not used to losing in Australian Open second round. I’ve always played so well. Throughout last 10 years, I’ve won six titles here. This court has been so nice to me,” a shaken Djokovic said.
“It’s disappointing. But the end of the day I have to accept it.”
Undoubtedly one of the biggest upsets in Australian Open history, the match reportedly marked the first time in seven years for the 29 year old to drop a set in the first week of a major. It was also the Serbian star’s earliest exit at a Grand Slam since he fell to Marat Safin in the second round at Wimbledon in 2008. So surprising, it even stunned the best in the business.
“I didn’t see it coming. I mean, I love Denis. He’s the nicest guy. He’s got a lot of fans in the locker room because he’s always super sweet and everything. Great player, good shot-maker. But I didn’t see this one coming,” said tennis great Roger Federer , after his convincing win to Thomas Berdych 6-2, 6-4,6-4 in the 3rd round on Rod Laver Arena.
“It’s a tough one for Novak. Until the very, very end, I still believed that Novak was going to turn it around, like everybody else”.
“It’s why we love live sports. It’s why we watch it. It’s why people come to the stadium, people watch it on the TV. You just don’t know the outcome. Even though the odds are crazy in somebody’s favor, there’s always the chance for the big upset. That’s why I’m a big sportsfan.”
Equally stunned but no doubt silently pleased was arch rival Andy Murray, who has been knocked down four times by Djokovic in their previous match-ups at Rod Laver arena for the title.
“Novak’s record here speaks for itself. He’s had incredible success here over the years. He obviously loves the conditions,” the Scotsman said after booking a spot in the 4th round following his win 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 over USA’s Sam Querrey.
“I think for him the early loss at Wimbledon and here would be disappointing. He’d want to play his best in the majors.”
“I don’t know [what happened], maybe after the first set, it was a pretty long, tough first set, maybe you expect Istomin’s level to drop a bit. But I didn’t see any of the match really. I saw like three, four points. I don’t know exactly what happened. But, yeah, obviously surprised.”
So what’s gone wrong? Was Istomin simply the better player or are we beginning to see real cracks in the former no.1?
Accordingly to commenter and tennis legend Jim Courier, “nobody was expecting” Istomin to give the Serbian star “any trouble”. However, trouble was indeed what was dispatched to the world no.2.
“All the credit to Denis for playing amazing. He deserved to win. No doubt, he was a better player in the clutch moments. He stepped it up, played aggressive. Served very well, very precise. There’s not much I could do,” Djokovic said with a quiver in his voice.
Clearly elated, Istomin was confident from the onset of the match that things could go his way despite his wildcard entry into the tournament.
“I have a hope that I can do it [win the match],” Istomin said. Revealing that his coach / mother was compelling him to “keep fighting” and “believing”, Istomin thought he “was playing so good” and that he “surprised” even himself.
“Now I feel I can play with these guys on this level,” the Uzbekistan veteran shared after blasting 63 winners and 17 aces to secure the match.
Tennis aside, speculation has continued to swirl around Djokovic for some time. Following his early round exit at Wimbledon to Sam Querrey in July 2016, topped up by a first round loss to Argentina’s Juan Martin Del Potro at the Rio Olympics that saw him in tears, coupled by a heart-breaking defeat to Stan Wawrinka at the US Open Finals, the Serbian could no longer deny what may be taking its toll.
“We all have private issues and things that are more challenges than issues. Things that we have to encounter and overcome in order to evolve as a human being. Life is going on like everything else,” Djokovic said at the US Open in August 2016.
It’s in stark contrast to where the 29 year old was just 7 months prior. After clinching his sixth Australian Open title in Jan 2016, it looked like Djokovic was simply unstoppable – happy in life and chartering into territory few could follow.
“No doubt that I’m playing the best tennis of my life in the last 15 months. You know everything is going well privately, as well. I became a father and husband, have a family, so I feel like I’m at the point in my life where everything is working in harmony. I’ll try to keep it that way,” Djokovic said.
“There is no reason to be anything else except optimism,” Djokovic shared in January 2016.
Sadly, Djokovic’s dream run appears to have ended. Whether “personal issues” or the absence of key figures from his box – cheering and gunning him on – is taking a toll, it is apparent his opponents are starting to believe Djokovic is no longer untouchable or simply supreme. Even Djokovic himself has come to this realization.
“They [other players] wouldn’t be playing against me or any other opponent or any other tournament, for that matter, if they don’t believe that they can win. They go out and they try their best,” Djokovic said after his crushing defeat in Melbourne.
“Denis, surely he was an underdog, but he didn’t show any nerves in the big moments. It was the right moment for him, the right day. He was better.”
Yes Istomin maybe was the better man on the day. But what “personal issues” is Djokovic really facing? And why the split from coach Boris Becker, once claimed by the Serb as bringing tremendous “value” and “help” with his unique energy and credentials? Especially given Djokovic himself said just 12 months earlier, “I’ve been trying to keep the same team of people around me and follow the kind of lifestyle that I think works for me well, that got me to where I am”. Why the change in team when together, they created the most dominant Novak Djokovic we’d ever seen?
So whilst we may never know what’s really going on for Novak or the reasons for his latest glitch, what is clear – times are changing. (Artwork by Andres Bella)

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33 comments

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 21, 2017 at 9:20 am

    A former player told me last night that the inside word is that Djokovic has repeatedly cheated on his wife – it could very well be this is the issue or challenge that is affecting his on court performance – Taking nothing away from Istomin who played fabulously but all it takes is that fraction of decline of focus and drive and hunger and self worth and the lesser players will exploit the opportunity that presents itself –

  • catherine bell · January 21, 2017 at 9:31 am

    Scoop –

    You’re reporting this extra-martial stuff as though it’s a new story.

    We’ve been talking about it here on and off for a while.

    We don’t know the truth and never will so maybe we should just drop it. I can think of lots of other reasons for Djokovic’s dip.

  • catherine bell · January 21, 2017 at 9:32 am

    I mean extra-marital obviously.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 21, 2017 at 10:08 am

    What are the other reasons Catherine?

  • catherine bell · January 21, 2017 at 11:03 am

    Scoop –

    Obviously I don’t know for sure – we’ve no idea what is really going on in other peoples’lives and in their heads unless they tell us.

    Plenty of people, here and elsewhere, have speculated. Could be a natural downturn after years of performing at the top level, could be related to changes in his team, to conflicts in the kind of advice he’s getting, could be domestic problems.

    The more interesting question, which will no doubt be answered in time, is whether he can come back from the place he seems to be at now.

  • Doogie · January 21, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    What we surely know is, that Nole lost his focus according to Becker and BB is a honest man.

    I agree with Scoop and we all know from our own if u have “personal” issues it is not easy to concentrate 100% and work as u did before the issues.

  • Hartt · January 21, 2017 at 2:52 pm

    This is a different topic but the old threads are pretty long now. Another reason Sascha is headed for future stardom: ” I absolutely love tennis. I absolutely love the process. It’s exciting for me.”

  • catherine bell · January 21, 2017 at 3:09 pm

    Hartt –

    Totally agree re Sascha – a few players sound to me as if they don’t actually like playing very much so refreshing to hear 🙂

    (and as well as being long some of the older threads get a bit difficult to follow because people talk about so many different things – but that’s the nature of T-P )

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 21, 2017 at 3:54 pm

    Doogie: One loses focus because he or she is distracted by something – Djokovic is clearly distracted by something – The fact that his wife was absent from the Australian Open is a significant clue – She was always a very strong presence and supportive figure for him in the past – With what I hear about excessive infidelity I could see a divorce happening this year –

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 21, 2017 at 3:56 pm

    Hartt: Zverev is a wonderful ambassador for the sport and his positive presence will be a perfect no 1 in a few years – He just needs to become physically stronger which he will and when he does he will rule the world – He will get stronger and bulkier just like Andy did and that’s why Andy became the best – the talent and intangibles are all there in Zverev and it’s just a matter of physically maturing –

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 21, 2017 at 3:59 pm

    I want to mention how incredibly well Dimitrov is playing right now – he just blitzed Gasquet yesterday in three sets – he’s beaten Kei and Raonic this year and he’s looking like a different player and a different man now – He’s beaten Wawrinka and Andy in the past and with Djokovic out this could be Dimitrov’s chance to finally fulfill his potential – I think he has an excellent chance of winning the title – he looked that good vs Gasquet –

  • Hartt · January 21, 2017 at 5:07 pm

    Yes, Sascha will be a terrific ambassador for tennis. he has that great combination of having confidence, even swagger, without being obnoxious. He and Mischa both speak excellent English and apparently Sascha is already giving press conferences/interviews in 3 languages.

    And I love the way the family members support each other. When asked about staying positive in his last match Mischa said his mother smiling and giving him the thumbs up was a big help.

    One question is will there come a time when Sascha is ready for a coach other than his father? He already has a professional team including a full-time physio and of course the super-experienced Jez Green, Murray’s former trainer. They have a goal of making Sascha physically stronger each year, but it is a long term project.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 21, 2017 at 5:52 pm

    While Zverev shined in defeat to Rafa I think this was a very very important win for Rafa – he has lost a lot of tough five setters (Pouille at US Open) and close three setters (Raonic in Brisbane) and so this one was really really important and you can see by Rafa’s reaction at the end that this win was extra special – Zverev forced Rafa to earn it too by fighting so hard with weary legs in that long 2-4 game – This could be the type of win that restores Rafa’s lost confidence and aura – This Aussie Open is suddenly so interesting and wide open with so many possible champions – Fed Kei Rafa Grigor Raonic Andy Tsonga – Best Aussie Open in years –

  • Thomas Tung · January 21, 2017 at 8:22 pm

    Agreed, Scoop — A.Zverev, again, showed that he is achingly close to the pinnacle of men’s tennis, but that his body isn’t quite there yet (I fully expect Sasha to be Top 10 this year, barring injury or personal issues). But his play has greatly improved ever since that tough loss to Nadal — if the Zverev of now had been playing that match back then, he’d have made that volley.

    Big win for Nadal, no doubt about it; Rafa badly needed a boost to his morale, and this was the best possible one.

    I’ve long said that J-W. Tsonga is the “French Boris Becker”, and he performed up to expectations in taking care of Sock, who isn’t nearly at the same talent level (Tsonga’s missing a gimme overhead in the 3rd set tiebreak is, unfortunately, indicative of practically his entire career to date). As Dan (and others) have suggested, the top French players just have a nice feel for this game. No, not at Nalbandian levels of tactics/strategy, but they always seem to have nice strokes, good movement, and good plans for dealing with their opponents.

    Can’t recall an Aussie this exciting since 1997, when C.Moya upset B.Becker in 5 in the 1st round (Becker was defending champ and #6 in the world), then made it to the final (comprehensively defeating M.Chang along the way in the SF) behind some very nice down-the-line backhands. Side note: it also seemed to be the last time ever in his career that Moya repeatedly went for down-the-line backhands, too, at the shockingly early age of 20. I still am shaking my head as to why Moya wasn’t ever able to go for more backhands. Coaching suggestions, or utter lack of confidence in the shot?

  • Thomas Tung · January 21, 2017 at 8:29 pm

    Also, is Konta copying V.Williams’ backhand form? Looks like Konta & Co. took a 3D printer and modelled the V.Williams backhand lock, stock, and barrel …

  • Andrew Miller · January 21, 2017 at 10:17 pm

    Thomas Tung’s Tsonga analysis was great. Agreed.

  • Hartt · January 22, 2017 at 2:57 am

    So Mischa won over Murray! Which means there is still a place for vintage serve-and-volley, much to my delight. Mischa, of course, was totally charming in the on court interview.

  • catherine bell · January 22, 2017 at 4:05 am

    Hartt –

    Never been so cheered in my life (well, almost) as to see Mischa serve and volley all the way to victory !

    Now if only…..

  • Dan Markowitz · January 22, 2017 at 7:17 am

    I’m in Costa Rica so can’t see the matches at the yoga retreat I’m at but I can’t believe my eyes seeing Zverev beat Murray. I would’ve loved to see him flagging down Murray’s passing shots. Someone who saw the match, please give me a description of what happened. Did Murray become unhinged. Who’s the favorite now Fed, Wawa, Raonic, Nadal.

  • Hartt · January 22, 2017 at 8:18 am

    Mischa constantly came in, either with serve-and-volley or on the next ball (over 200x) and was extremely good at the net – making a lot of terrific shots. Murray was not particularly effective with his passing shots. To get points he had to make incredible shots and was not able to do that often enough. Mischa very steady and did not panic when he was serving for the match.

    As a Milos fan I am not exactly objective about who will win but Raonic has a strong shot at the title.

  • catherine bell · January 22, 2017 at 8:26 am

    So goodbye Andy and Angie, both No 1s out on the same day.

    Never had a good feeling about either of them in Oz but maybe they’ll pick up as the season goes on. Kerber needs to step up her game and forget 2016.

    CoCo – flash in the pan or what ?

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 22, 2017 at 8:31 am

    Good question Thomas – maybe body changed in the chest area and he lost the flexibility? Or the opponents spins became a fraction heavier and he just couldn’t handle that ball like he used to? Good memory on that match I think I saw it too –

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 22, 2017 at 8:34 am

    I can’t believe Zverev beat Andy! Unbelievable – This guy is unreal how he’s suddenly breaking out as a star now at this late stage – But now he has to play Federer who once double bageled him – I knew Fed was going to beat Kei but would have bet the house on Andy to set up the rivalry showdown with Fed – Gotta give Zverev another shot at another huge upset? Yes!

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 22, 2017 at 8:36 am

    I think Stan is the favorite slightly but the other three can do it too – Agut Istomin Thiem Grigor and Tsonga get no respect from Dan 🙂

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 22, 2017 at 8:37 am

    Patrick Rafter picked Raonic to win it – thinks he’s ready and under the radar – he’s been close and is ready – Why not?

  • Andrew Miller · January 22, 2017 at 8:38 am

    Mugueuza shocks me and is in quarters. As for Kerber yeah I thought she’d have a tougher time this year but didn’t think it would be so soon! Credit to the Coco.

    I actually like Mischa Zverev. I thought Murray would at least make the final but I’m also very bearish on the big four being dead.

    With Murray out and Djokovic out, I think it’s rather obvious that the Wawrinka effect is real. Scoop said in 2014 that wawrinka changed everything. He did. Look at the draw. The two top guys are goners. The oldest of the big four who aren’t even top four players anymore are still alive. And other players are getting career wins.

    Yeah id say it’s wide open and kinda feel Raonic puts too much pressure on himself. So upsets still coming.

  • Andrew Miller · January 22, 2017 at 8:44 am

    Mischa Zverev pulls rank on younger brother and after destroying his brothers generation squares himself against everyone. We were all surprised he beat Kyrgios Las year and said haha Kyrgios can’t handle the heat. It’s time to credit Mischa Zverev for pulling himself through both challengers and qualifier draws and out Harrisoning Harrison. Sure he has a shot against Federer. But only a shot.
    Can’t imagine Federer won’t put the kibosh in this for legacy reasons. Scout the Mischa.

  • Andrew Miller · January 22, 2017 at 9:00 am

    Bryan brothers just quit/retired from Davis Cup team. They are focusing efforts on 2017 ATP and slams. Coach Courier can now focus on using the spots to bring in a Brian Baker and a next Gen player etc for development.

    This was actually a generous move by the brothers though the timing is a bit strange.

  • catherine bell · January 22, 2017 at 9:27 am

    Note on Kerber – she talks a lot about ‘feeling the ball’ onto her racquet. and when she loses she didn’t ‘feel the ball’.

    Haven’t heard other players use that description although maybe they do.
    But it’s good one. Somatic – like the ball’s part of you.

  • Andrew Miller · January 22, 2017 at 11:41 am

    The Coco KOd the Kerber. She punished care bear for playing with the ball and being overly defensive, mostly because the Coco took the game to Kerber. However long this lasts I have no idea but the always promising Coco played like a boxing champ.

  • catherine bell · January 22, 2017 at 12:02 pm

    Angie looked totally surprised and out of it. A really awful display.But her results since the US Open have been mediocre.
    When she played Pliskova Angie just played down the middle, just back and forth. She won, but didn’t impose herself on the match. Not a good omen I felt.

    Doesn’t seem to trust herself. Didn’t respond to Coco’s play – it was as if she’s forgotten how. And her serve is a liability – no free points there.

    Hope things brighten up for her. Maybe a good hard look at where she is and what she wants out of this year.

    She did lots of stuff in the off-season, non-tennis stuff. Celebrations etc – maybe too much.

  • Scoop Malinowski · January 22, 2017 at 3:45 pm

    Catherine you are enduring a very tough Aus Open this year with Halep and now Kerber bombing out 🙂 Hang in there !

  • catherine bell · January 23, 2017 at 3:02 am

    Scoop –

    Yes – I’m not a fan and I don’t do ‘faves’ but I follow Simona because I’m interested in how her career turns out – somehow difficulties grip me more than success. There’s more to say.

    I was interested in Martina’s comment on Angie – how hard it is to defend being no 1, how it turns you into a totally defensive passive player because you’re afraid to lose and she implied that ultimately it might be better for Kerber to lose that position.

    Serena also made a generous comment on how much Angie has had to deal with and how she did the best she could.

    I wondered if the same things have bothered Murray – probably not in the same way.

    I wish I could appreciate Konta more – just can’t.

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